Proposed 50GW renewable energy project in WA a step closer to reality

The development of one of the world’s largest green hydrogen hubs is a step closer to becoming a reality following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Western Green Energy Hub (WGEH) and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). 

The Western Australian Government has also welcomed the announcement of the Joint Development Agreement for the massive renewable energy project. 

“Congratulations to Western Green Energy Hub and the Korea Electric Power Corporation on working together to assess how this significant green hydrogen hub can be created. 

“The MoU is a key step forward in the process of having this major project completed. 

“This is an exciting project for Western Australia and will put our State on the forefront of producing green hydrogen, making it competitive on a worldwide scale,” Hydrogen Industry Minister Bill Johnston said. 

The WGEH Project is proposed to be built in stages on a 15,000-square-kilometre site within the Goldfield-Esperance region on Mirning Country. 

The project will comprise of about 3,000 wind turbines as well as 25 million solar panel modules that will have the capacity to generate 50GW of renewable electricity to enable the production of up to 3.5 million tonnes of zero-carbon green hydrogen annually once up and running. 

Project map (source: Western Green Energy Hub)

The wind turbines and solar panel modules will work together to generate energy for electrolysis to convert water into hydrogen. 

The green hydrogen produced from the WGEH project will be utilised in power generation as well as shipping fuel, minerals processing and manufacturing. At full capacity, the hub will supply green hydrogen to both domestic and international markets, including South Korea. 

“I am delighted to have KEPCO sign the MoU and I look forward to the collaboration in our joint goal to develop the WGEH project, as well as being a long-term supply partner to South Korea and other international markets. 

“This new partnership is recognition of the work we have done to date and, perhaps more importantly, it recognises the opportunities that lie ahead. 

“This includes the present update of the Australian Government national hydrogen strategy and the opportunity for priority promotion of regional development, indigenous participation, and a new green export industry for Australia. 

“Projects like the WGEH are large and complex and bringing in KEPCO, a proven partner and developer of largescale infrastructure projects, is invaluable,” WGEH Chief Executive Officer Ray Macdonald said. 

WGEH Pty Ltd is the corporate entity developing the massive project. It is comprised of three shareholders, including InterContinental Energy, CWP Global and Mirning Green Energy Limited (a commercial entity of the Mirning Traditional Lands Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC). 

The WGEH Project is anticipated to create thousands of jobs over an estimated 20-year construction phase. 

The project will engage with local and regional communities to help grow their economies. A vital part of this project is the involvement of the Mirning Peoples, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land where the WGEH Project is going to be built. 

A final investment decision for the WGEH Project is due in 2027. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Western Green Energy Hub (1, 2, 3, 4); PV Magazine Australia; Creamer Media’s Weekly Mining; H2 View